Singapore Navy Enhances Interoperability in Multilateral Exercise Kakadu

Ships from participating navies, including the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s RSS Intrepid, sailing in formation during Exercise Kakadu 2026.

Crew from RSS Intrepid participating in the International Fleet Review during Exercise Kakadu 2026.

Representatives from participating nations attending the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Commander's Conference at the National Maritime Museum, Sydney, during Exercise Kakadu 2026.

RSN personnel aboard RSS Intrepid waving to counterparts from HMAS Stuart during the farewell sail-past.

⁠The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN's) Formidable frigate RSS Intrepid participated in the multilateral Exercise Kakadu. Hosted by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the biennial exercise was held in the Eastern Australian Exercise Area off Sydney, Australia from 2 Mar to 1 April 2026. More than 20 vessels, multiple aircraft, and more than 6000 participants from 19 nations participated in this year’s exercise.

As part of the exercise, the RSN participated in an International Fleet Review (IFR) held on 21 March to commemorate the RAN’s 125th anniversary. Chief of Navy Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat, as well as invited navy chiefs and senior officials, sailed on board the reviewing ship, HMAS Leeuwin with Governor-General of Australia, Sam Mostyn, to review the IFR.

A Fleet Commander’s Conference was held in conjunction with the shore phase of the exercise. The theme of the Conference was “Strength at Sea = Security and Prosperity at Home”, and discussions focused on promoting cooperation among like-minded partners. During the sea phase, participating navies conducted high-end multi-dimensional conventional naval warfare training, including anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare drills.

Fleet Commander, RADM Kwan Hon Chuong said, “In today’s increasingly complex maritime security environment, exercises such as Exercise Kakadu are more important than ever. By training and operating together with our partners, our navy strengthens interoperability, builds trust, and reinforces our shared commitment to a stable and secure maritime environment.”

This year's Exercise Kakadu is the 17th in the series. The exercise provides an invaluable opportunity for the participating navies to strengthen cooperation and people-to-people ties.